Open for Everything at the Royal Court Theatre

Theatre review

Frances Lai

Open for Everything

★★★★★

Dates

16th June - 18th June 2016

Price

£12-£25

Links & directions

Constanza Macras envisions a moving and enthralling performative collage that captures the static and dynamic states of the various Roma communities in Europe, rendering a compilation of festive music, dance, life and expression that is beautifully delivered by the cast of performers, both amateur and professional. Open for Everything is a truly exceptional show that should not be missed during its short run in the Jerwood Theatre downstairs at the Royal Court.

The performance piece incorporates spoken narratives of the lived experiences of several Romani individuals with dance and musical numbers that commingle the traditional with the modern. Introducing personages from outside the Roma community, the show plays upon established clichés, archetypes and prejudices while concurrently offering the similar dreams and aspirations that inevitably inform the human condition. Yet, thankfully, Open For Everything is never folkloristic nor does it fall into the type of “theatre of commiseration” that is satirically portrayed within the show.

Set pieces and costumes are employed inventively but not superfluously, from the LV-branded car teeming with half the ensemble to the fun, rather carnal dance sequence that involves performers randomly clothing and unclothing themselves and each other. The closing act inscribes a lasting effect when all is dark save for the flame of a funeral pyre. The entire performance piece itself sweeps all five stars, however a few technical hiccups remain to be sorted out on the first night at the Royal Court.

What is most palpable while watching the show is a sense of onward movement, a seemingly disparate homage to nomadic traditions. The show gives voice and expression to those Romani who are normally marginalised in the public eye. Open for Everything is an untamed celebration of mirth and music – necessary elements to nurture the human soul.

★★★★★

Frances Lai

Open for Everything is on at Royal Court Theatre from 16th until 18th June 2016, for further information or to book visit here.